Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Quick Summary: Even if the Wolfdog is said to be just 10% Wolf, they will still display a lot of Wolf traits because their wild instincts are so strong. The Husky Wolf mix will usually inherit the golden-brown eyes of the Wolf or the bright blue eyes of the Husky. Their ears will be triangular-shaped and erect, and their teeth will often be more prominent than those of the Husky. They will have a straight tail that does not curl in excitement. Many Wolf hybrid trainers suggest that the most effective way to train a Wolfdog is to teach them through the process of mimicking, as this is exactly how they learn from their parents in the wild. They will be difficult to care for at home as a family pet. Only a professional Wolfdog trainer should handle this type of breed.
The Siberian Husky mated with a Wolf is called a Wolf hybrid, a Wolfdog. Wolf hybrids are relatively rare as few people can take on this challenge. Although this Wolf hybrid is stunning, he also comes with many challenges and would only be suitable for very few families. He isn’t as practical or docile as other Husky mixes.
Ultimately, the Wolf is not your dog. He is a wild animal. The Wolf hybrid will be wild in his personality and needs. You can read our Husky vs. Wolf article to learn more about each parent.
Be aware that owning a Wolf Hybrid can have its own legal issues. It’s not recommended for recreational pet owners in most states. Many wolf-hybrid dog breeds end up in rescues because they are not able to mix with traditional wolf packs.
You MUST verify your state’s laws regarding wolf hybrid ownership before you buy one. Some states have strict restrictions on their ownership. We do not recommend them for households because of their wild nature.
Wolf Hybrids
There is already much debate in the canine community regarding mixing pedigree dog breeds, and there is extra controversy around the Wolfdog than any other designer dog. Although it is believed that all dogs are descended from the Wolf or that they have evolved from a common ancestor over thousands of years, domesticated dogs have evolved so many times that they are nearly entirely different in their physiology.
Therefore, mixing the Wolf, whose Latin name is Canis Lupus, and the dog, whose Latin name is Canis Lupus Familiaris, while possible, is frowned upon by the majority of experts. It is important to remember that the Wolfdog will always be a wild animal at heart. This makes it a poor choice for a family pet.
Even if the Wolfdog is claimed to be just 10% Wolf, he will display most, if not all Wolf traits, simply because their wild instincts are so strong. It is essential to know a little bit about the Wolfdog’s parents to fully understand him.
Siberian Husky (Canis Lupus Familiaris)
The Siberian Husky, one of the most ancient breeds on Earth, was originally developed in Siberia to pull sleds and transport people and goods from one tribe to the next. They were also used for their companionship and affection, as well as to protect and keep children warm at night. The first Husky was imported to Alaska in 1908, and they were put to work as sled dogs during the gold rush era.
The Siberian Husky is an energetic dog who craves companionship and being a pack dog, he needs to feel that he is part of the family pack. He will be unhappy and destructive if he doesn’t have a loving family to invest in him. The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes him as loyal, outgoing, and mischievous.
Wolf (Canis Lupus)
Firstly, it is important to understand that there are two types of Wolves, the Red and the Gray, and it is believed that there are up to 38 subspecies of the Wolf, and they are named after the area that they live in. The Gray Wolf is the most commonly found Wolf and is also the parent of the Wolfdog. We will refer to him throughout this article.
Evidence indicates that the Gray Wolf is approximately 1 million years of age. It is believed that he is from the Eurasian continent. The Gray Wolf was eventually found in North America after a while. He has since moved around the globe. They are adaptable and one of the few mammals that survived the Ice Age.
Over the past few centuries, many people have tried to domesticate the Wolf to keep him as a pet. Although they are adaptable, there is much debate about whether they can be domesticated. Many people believe that they should be considered wild animals and should not be kept as pets.
There have been many success stories. However, there have also been many fatally flawed stories. Although there are not many statistics on their popularity as pets, it is an important issue that is growing in popularity.
The Wolfdog Mix
It is important to understand that, with one wild parent, the Wolfdog will never be fully domesticated, and his natural instincts will never be fully suppressed no matter how well he is trained. The Husky Wolf mix, just like his Wolf parent, will challenge the status quo around age two. This is when he can challenge the pack leader in nature and take on the role of leader.
If you are weak, like not being dominant enough, being hurt, or being tired, the Wolfdog may see this as an opportunity to challenge you. Potential owners must understand the pack mentality. Don’t give him power because if you lose it, you won’t get it back.
They are also extremely territorial, and this is a trait that will never be trained out of them. The Husky Wolf mix will often urinate or defecate near food to protect it from its wolf parent. This behavior is well-known in the home since the Husky Wolf mix was three months old. They are very protective of any item they get in their mouths, so don’t try to take it from them. You will most likely be bitten.
However, if they are placed into the right home with strict training, then they are also known to be friendly with their pack, similar to his Husky parent, but with slightly more reservation. This is great, but the Wolfdog should not be conditioned to human interaction and comfort. They will eventually need to spend more time outside.
Size and Appearance
Even within the same litter, Wolfdogs can have a very different look. You can choose to keep the wild Wolf look or go for the more domesticated Husky look. The male Husky Wolf mix will weigh between 85 and 155 pounds, and the female Wolfdog will weigh between 75 and 130 pounds. The male Wolfdog will measure between 26 and 33 inches tall, from paw to shoulder, and the female will measure between 25 and 32 inches tall.
The Husky Wolf mix will usually inherit the golden-brown eyes of the Wolf and, on occasion, inherit the bright blue eyes of the Husky. Their ears will be triangular-shaped and erect, and their teeth will often be larger than those of the Husky. They will have a straight tail that does not curl in excitement.
Coat and Colors
The Wolfdog will have a medium-length double coat that is quite thick and dense. The Wolfdog can also be bred in various colors, including brown, white, black, and tan. The Wolfdog’s coat will change from when he turns one year old. While it may not change significantly, his tone and shading will.
Exercise Requirements and Living Conditions
The Wolfdog will require 3-4 hours of intense exercise each day to keep them happy and engaged. While a restless Wolfdog is destructive, a bored Wolf hybrid is far more destructive.
First, you need lots of space. Each wolfdog needs 1 acre of land to roam. If you have more than one wolfdog, then each dog will need 1/2 acre to avoid aggression from other wolves. This is a minimum requirement, as it should be remembered that wild wolves roam around 20 acres of unconfined land every day. Because your wolf dog will only be allowed to live in the area, it is best to limit the number of dogs you have. This can cause behavioral problems and may result in the loss of a pack member.
The area must be enclosed by fencing that is at least 8 feet high and 6 feet in height. This fencing should have a 2-foot extension at the top. It can either be with an inward-inclined wire or an electric wire. A second fence should be placed close to the first one to provide additional security. This will prevent escapes and protect people and animals from coming into contact with the fence. To prevent animals from digging out the enclosure, two feet of reinforced wire mesh wire should be buried vertically.
They can be kept indoors when they are not outside, but you should crate-train them to ensure that they do not wander off and cause damage at night. To avoid cabin fever, you will need a large home with lots of space.
Training and Socialization
While the Husky Wolf mix can be very intelligent, don’t expect him to grasp commands as well as a domestic dog. A Wolf hybrid is still learning how to interact with and listen to humans.
Many Wolf hybrid trainers suggest the most effective way to train a Wolfdog is to teach him through the process of mimicking, as this is exactly how they learn from their parents in the wild. It is unlikely that standard dog training will work with the Wolfdog.
Of course, much socialization is imperative to teach him to be confident in his surroundings with unfamiliar people and sounds. He should also be exposed to animals of all sizes and shapes, including dogs, to help him not to fear or attack them.
If he is a puppy, he will be able to live with other pets as he grows up believing that this is normal. However, if he becomes an adult Wolfdog, then introduce him slowly to other household pets with barriers in place. The Husky Wolf mix might not be able to accept other animals as members of his pack, which can cause problems, so it is something that you should be prepared for.
Nutrition and Food
Wolfdogs should be fed raw meat, except for pork, as it is unsafe for them to eat. Dog kibble is not good for wolfdogs and can cause them to become sick.
They should be fed several kilos of meat each day. They should also be fed nutritional supplements like vitamins A, B, and C as well as D and E. These can all be hidden in raw meat.
It should be noted that this dog diet is more expensive than other diets. Their diet is not negotiable. If they start looking for family pets or even begin hunting, it is something you must consider.
Grooming Needs
The Wolfdog’s double coat is thick and dense. He is a heavy shedding dog, especially during the shedding season. The Wolfdog is a pack dog and will enjoy getting to know his pack. To keep his coat clean, brush him at least once a week. If he is very dirty, only bathe him four times per year.
Health Issues and Lifespan
His parent, the Husky, is a very healthy dog, and it is recommended that he is tested for Hip Dysplasia and to undergo an Ophthalmologist evaluation. Although Wolves don’t have to be screened for health, they can still suffer from eye problems and joint dysplasia.
The Wolfdog can experience both of these health conditions. A vet who is familiar with Wolf hybrids would be able to help you. The lifespan of a Wolfdog is 12 to 14 years, so it is a long commitment to undertake, just like any other dog.
The Wolfdog as Family Pets
- The Husky Wolf mix is not like a domestic dog, so do not expect him to be.
- He is a completely different species that may not even be legal to own in your state.
- A Wolfdog requires a very large home, with a yard of at least 1 acre, along with other criteria.
- This breed is not suited to a family with children, be that younger or older.
- Only an adult family home is recommended here due to his unpredictability and wild tendencies.
- This breed craves companionship, but finding another breed to pair them with is a challenge.
- The Husky Wolf mix is a sensitive dog who will not take well to changes in circumstances.
- He may not accept other people into the home or family, including other animals.
- The Husky Wolf mix is very active, and he needs 3 to 4 hours of exercise a day.
- The Wolfdog needs a formidable leader who will never back down to him.
Breeders and Puppy Prices/Costs
You may search the internet for wolfdog breeders. They will appear on the first page of most search engines. It is important to read reviews and talk to other people in online forums, as they may know which breeders to trust.
Once you have found a breeder you like, make sure you meet them. They will be able to answer all your questions about your suitability. Additionally, ‘Mission: Wolf’ has an incredible amount of information and resources for prospective owners, so be sure to check them out.
The average price of a Wolfdog starts from around $1,000. Although they may look like any other puppy dog, they transition to wild animals as soon as they reach three months.
Breeders will often claim that the Wolfdog has a high percentage wolf because it appeals to many owners. This can lead to them charging a premium price. It is difficult to prove the percentile of a dog’s lineage, so don’t pay more if they don’t have the paperwork.
Check your local laws before starting to look for puppies. Many states have laws and rules regarding Wolf or Wolf hybrid ownership. It is illegal in certain states. In other states, the owner must obtain an exotic license. This is often difficult to get.
Rescues and Shelters
Many Wolfdogs are taken to rehoming centers because their families weren’t ready for the task. The Wolfdog Project lists names and contact details for rescue centers in each state, and these guys are the best people to get in contact with who will be able to help you find the most suited centers to begin your adoption journey.
Conclusion
The Siberian Husky Wolf Mix’s wild appearance makes him a striking dog. The Wolfdog isn’t a puppy forever. He will become a pet that is difficult to care for. You must seek professional Wolfdog training by someone with Wolf hybrid experience if you’re considering getting one. Also, you must dedicate your entire life to training and caring for him. He needs a knowledgeable master with authority over him.
According to ‘Mission: Wolf,’ 9 out of 10 Wolfdogs will die as a result of escape, neglect, euthanasia, and misunderstanding, the one surviving Wolfdog will end up homeless because his owners cannot look after him. This is not an easy task.